WPI building to receive preservation award

Sunday

May 27, 2012 at 6:00 AMMay 27, 2012 at 11:47 AM

By Linda Bock TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

Ichabod Washburn, one of the founders of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, funded construction of the Washburn Shops in 1868 to house a Department of Practical Mechanism that would educate students in the practical applications of design and manufacturing.

“The restoration of the Washburn Shops ensures that this historic educational building will continue to serve Worcester Polytechnic Institute's students for generations to come,” said Secretary of State William F. Galvin, chairman of the commission.

The award is in recognition of extensive restoration work done at the building, which has been continually used for engineering education since its construction.

Prominent local architect Elbridge Boyden designed the building in the Second Empire style, and additions in 1880 and 1892 substantially expanded its footprint. The devastating hurricane of 1938 tore the building's central cupola off and dropped it through the roof of the building, according to the historical commission. The piece was reconstructed shortly thereafter, but the cupola was reattached insecurely, and by 2011 it was loose enough to be easily pushed out of place.

In 1984, when the attic was converted to usable space, ice dams caused roof leaks, which eventually led to irreversible damage. The slate was replaced and ice-water shields were incorporated into the roof's assembly.

To maintain stability while restoring the cupola, tower corners were taken apart and reconstructed in sections. Concealed anchors improved its structural stability. Salvaged brick from the original structure is interspersed with replacement brick at the tower's corners. Rotting woodwork has been replaced, and dormers and surrounds were rebuilt to resonate with the later, composite building.

Historically appropriate divided windows replaced 1980s-era aluminum windows. The arm-and-hammer weathervane, a 1977 replica of the original and a symbol of WPI, was also restored.

The Washburn Shops house the material science and engineering program, the manufacturing engineering program and the management department, as well as the Milton P. Higgins Lecture Hall.

The Washburn Shops restoration project is one of 12 projects, individuals and organizations being honored this year by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.